Benriach The Original Ten 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 86 Proof

BenRiach The Original Ten 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 86 Proof is Rachel Barrie’s front door to the range, and the recipe is three woods married after at least 10 years. Bourbon barrels keep the orchard fruit bright, sherry casks deepen it, and virgin oak lays toasted spice and a pastry-like vanilla underneath. The barley is unpeated, and a trace of smoke still runs through the glass, which is the house signature. It is 86 proof, the color comes from the casks, and Whisky Advocate scored it 88.

The distillery glass is ripe pear and nectarine on malt sweetness, with honey and toasted oak on the nose and almond and spiced vanilla at the close. Whisky Advocate found tropical fruit, vanilla, honey, and ginger, then a creamy palate of soft fruit, malt, and milk chocolate, finishing on hazelnut, drinking chocolate, and that wisp of smoke. The Whiskey Jug tasted the same creamy, medium body, with toffee, dried apricot, and a warm fruit finish.